How to Design a Dream Closet

From choosing the right lighting to deciding on the perfect mix of storage components, designing a closet is no easy feat. We checked in with a few Dering Hall designers for tips on how to craft a closet that's both stylish and functional.

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Make it an Extension of Your Bedroom

"Your personal closet is a space that should not be overlooked and designed only for function, but rather made into an extension of your bedroom. For this closet, I wanted to create a jewel box atmosphere and to design not only a wardrobe, but a dressing room. I designed the layout of the closet, keeping the function of utmost importance. We also added beautiful wallpaper and plush carpet, and used lucite rods, mirrors and crystal lighting to add a bit of glamour. I wanted to my client to feel like she was shopping in her own closet!" — Kathryn Ivey

Photo: Helen Norman

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Vary Storage Types & Incorporate Contrasting Colors

“Planning a master closet is nearly as important as planning your kitchen. No matter what the size or configuration, include a variety of storage components and heights for hanging. Use light-colored interiors for visibility and add contrast with darker wood faces and doors. LED closet rails are also a great addition to ensure you will be able to distinguish between those ebony, coal and jet black pants.” — Anita Dawson, Dawson Design Group

Photo: Brady Architectural Photography

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Create Custom Built-In Storage

"One way to elevate the shelving in your closet is to create custom built-in storage for your jewelry, which can also include a built-in safe for your valuable items. Think about wrapping the shelves and cabinetry in something unexpected like luxurious leather or parchment." — Kara Smith, SFA Design

Photo: Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

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Personalize it with Accessories

"Your closet sets the tone for the day so it should be a stylish, sexy place to express how you feel. To design a closet, start by taking inventory of the items you need access to and the frequency of that access. Closets, being an intimate space, provide more of an opportunity to bring out your personality. Layering accessories and adding artwork are great ways to personalize the closet. Take chances and use an animal print carpet that you love, but would not want in the living room. The center island is a great landing space for displaying jewelry while it also serves as storage for folded clothes. Add a chandelier to really elevate the design." — Tiffany Leblanc

Photo: Eric Roth Photography

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Combine Function & Style

"When we design a closet, we think first of how best to organize items. Function is always first. We also like using materials that are luxurious such as wood, mirrors, metals and marble. Lighting in the clothing rods, indirect lighting, and a statement fixture finishes the boutique look." — Giselle Loor Sugerman, B+G Design

Photo: Barry Grossman

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Evaluate Your Wardrobe

"We interview clients to obtain their desired specifics such as hanging lengths, jewelry storage, safes, hampers, seating, ironing board, locked cabinets, and accessories such as valet rods and mirrors. Then we take this detailed information and pinpoint the best possible scenario, fitting in as much as we can while considering all of the architectural features (such as this stunning window). Knowing how someone lives is the most important aspect of our job. If we don't ask the right questions, we won't get the best possible result. We strive for efficiency while creating an artful, inspiring space." — Amanda Webster

Photo: Renae Lillie; Closet Design by Carson Closets

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Follow the Home's Aesthetic

"My client wanted her closet to be as engaging as the rest of her house. Following the contemporary but bohemian feel of the home, I installed a copper-colored wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries on the room's ceiling giving the space a warm glow. On the floor, I placed an antique Khotan carpet in soft neutral tones to add visual interest and physical comfort. She wanted her collection of shoes and handbags to take center stage, so I worked with the architect Jonathan Feldman to build out the custom cabinetry." — Kendall Wilkinson

Photo: Paul Dyer

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Embrace Luxury

"I design homes to place all possessions away in style. The focal point of this dynamic dressing room is the custom glass vitrine with gold trim and crystal knobs, layered with velvet cushions for the client’s precious jewelry and jeweled accessories. The vitrine is surrounded by mirrored closet doors on two sides, diamond paned windows framed with luxurious drapery, and recessed lighting. The custom carpets and love seat all add to this opulent dressing room. Composition is also key: the shape, detail and size matter. Not having enough space for a client’s entire inventory is often common at the outset, so you need to be creative and find hidden spaces in the walls by going high, deep, low and layered." — Linda London